"Why did it happen today?" Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said of James Comey's sudden firing, which the White House said was based on his well-known — and months-old — handling of the Hillary Clinton email investigation.

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"We know the FBI has been looking into whether the Trump campaign colluded with the Russians, a very serious offense. Were those investigations getting too close to home for the President?"

"The only way the American people can have faith in this investigation is for it to be led by a fearless independent special prosecutor," Schumer added.

FBI Director James Comey was fired by President Trump on Tuesday. (Carolyn Kaster/AP)

Rep. John Conyers Jr. (D-Mich.), the ranking member of the House Committee on the Judiciary, said the White House's actions "reek of a cover up."

"Today's action by President Trump completely obliterates any semblance of an independent investigation into Russian efforts to influence our election, and places our nation on the verge of a constitutional crisis. There is little doubt that the President's actions harken our nation back to Watergate and the 'Saturday Night Massacre,' " Conyers said. "This decision makes it clear that we must have an independent, non-partisan commission to investigate both Russian interference in the U.S. election and allegations of collusion between the government of Vladimir Putin and the Trump campaign."

While House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi did not allude to the Watergate scandal, she said the "sudden and brazen firing of the FBI Director raises the ghosts of some of the worst Executive Branch abuses."

"We cannot stand by and watch a coverup of the possible collusion with a hostile foreign power to undermine American democracy," Pelosi wrote, demanding an independent investigation into Trump's alleged ties to Russia.

Comey's firing was based on a recommendation from Attorney General Jeff Sessions — who was reportedly told to come up with a reason to do so.

Twilight zone. I was as disappointed and frustrated as anyone at how the email investigation was handled. But this terrifies me.

Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) took a jab at the AG, who had recused himself from the Russia investigation in March.

"Comey firing recommended by Sessions. I thought he had recused himself from Russia investigation!" Kaine said.

Sessions stepped aside from the Russia probe after it was revealed he had failed to disclose meetings with the Russian ambassador at his confirmation hearing.

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Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) was surprised by the firing, noting "We know the FBI has been looking into whether the Trump campaign colluded with the Russians." (Evan Vucci/AP)

"AG Sessions lied under oath about meetings with Kislyak," Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) tweeted. "One way to exert control after recusal is by getting rid of FBI Director. Chilling."

Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) said Trump called to tell her Comey would be removed from the agency shortly before the announcement was made public because "the FBI needed a change."

"The next FBI director must be strong and independent and will receive a fair hearing in the Judiciary Committee," she said.

John Podesta, a longtime Clinton adviser, slammed Trump by also referencing the "Saturday Night Massacre," in which President Richard Nixon axed special prosecutor Archibald Cox amid his investigation into the Watergate scandal.

"Didn't you know you're supposed to wait til Saturday night to massacre people investigating you?" he said in a tweet.

Comey firing recommended by Sessions. I thought he had recused himself from Russia investigation!

"James Comey is a man of honor and integrity, and he has led the FBI well in extraordinary circumstances," he said. "I have long called for a special congressional committee to investigate Russia's interference in the 2016 election. The president's decision to remove the FBI Director only confirms the need and the urgency of such a committee."

Other notable Republican lawmakers were supportive.

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said while he appreciates Comey's service, he acknowledged the agency deserves a "fresh start."

"Given the recent controversies surrounding the director, I believe a fresh start will serve the FBI and the nation well," Graham said in a statement. "I encourage the President to select the most qualified professional available who will serve our nation's interests."

Rudy Giuliani, Trump's campaign surrogate and former NYC mayor, said the President was right to fire Comey.

While at the Trump International Hotel in D.C., he told New York Magazine addressed Comey's possible replacement and that he is not a candidate for FBI boss.

Giuliani said he has a meeting to discuss cyber security at the White House on Wednesday.